School Board Chairman Will Not Seek Re-Election

There will be at least one new name on the Windham School Board following the March election, as Chairman Ed Gallagher has decided that he will not seek another term.

Gallagher said he needs to focus on family and work now, and can't make the commitment of another three years.

"My daughter is going to be a (high school) senior next year and we're going to be in the hunt for colleges," he said.

He said that it was time to "get some new energy" on the board, and while he couldn't say who would step up as the new chair after the election, he acknowledged that Bruce Anderson, who currently serves as vice chairman, would make a good fit.

"He has been the chair and served ably as the vice chair – he's certainly more than capable," said Gallagher.

He added that all of the board members have good leadership qualities and could fit the role nicely.

Gallagher said that he wasn't worried about a disruption in board continuity as it currently tries to solve a big school overcrowding issue in town.

"My hope is that we've got a lot of talented people in Windham that can step up," he said.

As for a reflection of his accomplishments since 2009, Gallagher made it clear that it was the team, and not him as an individual, that got a number of things done.

He said those included the opening of a new high school, getting a direction of the master plan and hiring a ciricculum coordinator to place an emphasis on what's "inside the walls" of the town's school facilities. 

Gallagher also acknowledged the building of the kindergarten wing at Golden Brook School.

"Against all odds we got a kindergarten passed and funded," he said.

Gallagher was voted on the board at the same time as Jeff Bostic, who hasn't made it public whether he will seek another term. 

He said that he and Bostic definitely faced a learning curve when then they first began to serve, but the staggered terms allowed other board members to help them out.

"When you get a team and they work well together you can pretty much get up to speed," said Gallagher. "You've got some great members on there now."

He didn't say whether he would consider additional public service in the future, but said that he has been "honored to serve" on the board. 

So far in the filing process, Richard Forde and Heather Petro have jumped into the race. Candidates have until Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. to enter their names.